LIFE APPEARS

Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara review

2/10/2018

I'm always on the hunt for the "perfect" mascara and they're probably the makeup item I change the most (not a bad thing considering their short expiry date). So when I got this sample from Glamour Mag, I could not wait to get it on my lashes! So here's a short and sweet look at what I thought....

Givenchy's Noir Couture volume mascara is meant to bring volume and definition to your lashes for "sophisticated intense eyes".

In terms of application, this goes on like a dream. One sweep brings definition, length and volume without clumping.

Below is one coat with no other eye makeup... {shade: black tafetta}

For a more intense look, the Noir Couture mascara is easy to layer (make sure your first layer is dry though or it will clump) and doesn't flake or smudge.

It doesn't claim to be long-lasting but it didn't budge all day, even after a sweaty workout. It gets another big tick for removing easily despite it's long wear.

Overall, I really like this mascara from Givenchy and it's been my go-to for the last couple of weeks. I'll definitely keep using it and at £26 I'll probably buy a fullsize one when it's finished!

I'd love to know your opinion if you've tried the Noir Couture volume mascara, or if there's a different mascara you think I have to try, so please drop me a comment down below :)

Stay safe,x

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Creative Ways to Save Up for Your Deposit

27/9/2018

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If you have been dreaming about owning your own home, your greatest challenge might be coming up with enough money for your deposit. While - if you are a first time buyer - you can take advantage of some of the government incentives, and you can buy a home with only 5 percent put down, your repayments will be higher. Not to mention that the longer you leave getting on the property ladder the harder it will become.

Set Saving Goals
It is important that you take saving up for your deposit seriously. If you would like to be able to afford your dream home, you will need a detailed and actionable plan. Determine how long it will take you to save up enough money to get the house you always wanted. Once you have the deposit, you can start looking around, checking the market trends, and identify areas you can afford and are comfortable living at.

Make Your Money Grow
It is also crucial that you increase your knowledge about money and learn how to make smart investments. Look into high interest savings and CMC Markets so you can find out what you can do to speed up the process of growing your savings without risking too much. Instead of just jumping on a scheme, do your research and learn as much as possible about how different financial accounts work.

Make Sacrifices
There’s no gain without pain, and this is true when it comes to getting your first house. You will certainly need to make sacrifices; limit your luxury shopping and reduce the number of times you go out. You will also be able to learn new skills to budget better, to cook from scratch, and to get better deals on your car insurance, your subscriptions, and other services.

Look for Investment Properties
If you simply have no hope to buy a house that is ready to move in and is perfect for your lifestyle, you might want to search for investment opportunities. You can do the house up in your own time, and put up with the disorganisation or dated decor for a while. You will, however, need to make sure that the property is in an acceptable condition, or your mortgage company might refuse to lend you money to buy it.

Set Up a Side Gig
When your current income from work is hardly enough to live on, not to mention to save up for your deposit, you might want to think about putting your skills to good use and starting a few side gigs to increase your income. It can be as simple as looking after other people’s animals while they are on holiday, or creating videos for companies. No matter what your skillset is, there is a market out there.

If you can’t wait to get your own place and do it up according to your needs and personality, you will need to make some lifestyle changes. Use the above tips to create a long term plan to build up savings for your deposit.

*collaborative post*

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How To Afford The Home Of Your Dreams

19/9/2018

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There will come a time in your life where you transition from being a young adult, to an adult that is ready to buy a home. For some, it's a lot earlier than others, but it all depends on where you see yourself going in life, and the options that you have. You see, when you're a child you often play games with your imagination and pretend you have a big mansion with a pool and a family, and that's the dream, and yet at that age, you don't realise what you require in order to ever have something like this. As soon as you become an official adult, you realise just how much responsibility that means, and also how darn expensive it can be. There are so many financial requirements that come out of nowhere and constantly want to take money from you every month, and if you don't comply, then you either miss out on all the good stuff, or get yourself in trouble. This can be a rather deflating feeling because there will be many things that you want to do and own, but if you don't have the financial freedom to do so, then you're going to be rather disappointed.

So what about when the day comes where you're ready to begin your house hunt to find the perfect nest to settle down in? Well, first you're going to need the finances in order to ensure you get something you really want. The last thing that you want to do is end up settling for something you're not truly happy with, only to then regret your decision and want to start over again. So you need to really think long and hard before ever signing on the dotted line.

If you're struggling with ways to afford your dream home, then here are a few ideas on how to get what you need.

Ask for a raise
If ever you feel like you should be earning more in the job that you do, considering the hours you put in for what you're paid, even once you're back home and still doing overtime, then consider speaking to your boss about the possibility of a raise. It's important that you have valid reasons before doing so though, along with being realistic. It's a good idea to make a list of all the reasons why you personally should have a raise out of the team, as this will be something that your boss will most likely bring up. Remember to keep a cool level head, and don't come off as argumentative as you will only end up doing a lot more harm than good. The worst thing they can say is no, and if you really deem this as being unfair, then know you can always look for another job.

Take out a loan
This is one of the most common options for people looking to buy a home, because essentially you can request a specific amount of money that you want or need, and if your application is accepted and your credit score is within reason, you will have that money in your account ready to do with what you please - in this case putting a deposit down on a home. Evolution Money's secured homeowner loans is specific to people who have already managed to get the house they wanted, or who are going to be paying a mortgage, which essentially offers you the help you need, while not solely judging you're capability on your previous credit history.

Set up a savings account
If you don't already have a savings account, then you need to open one sooner rather than later. This is by no means a quick option, as you will only be accumulating money over time as you go, all depending on what you put into the account. But it definitely helps in the long run having money put aside for when you really need it. Be it for a down payment, or even to be used on the home renovations, maintenance and repairs if you have any in your home, right down to the furniture and decor. It can also be there as an emergency fund if ever you did have any problems and needed a sum of money there and then. So make a point of setting up a direct debit where you take a percentage out of your monthly earnings and send them to your savings account for safe keeping. Before you know it, you'll have a lovely number looking back at you.

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September 2018 Pink Parcel review

19/9/2018

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September 2018 Pink Parcel review lifeappears.com

Every month Pink Parcel are there to give me the peace of mind that no matter when mother nature pays her visit I will be ready to go, and this month they've produced an extra special box: the Eve Edit.

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month (go to your smear tests ladies!) and they've dedicated this month's box to the Eve Appeal; who are a charity that raise awareness of and fund research for the 5 types of gynaecological cancer (womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal) so it's important work folks.

Inside this month's box:

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pencil in Black - RRP £12. If you're looking for a really black, black eyeliner then this is it. I've never used a pencil eyeliner that packs as much pigment as this and it stays put! No smudging or smearing, it doesn't gather in the inner corner, it's waterproof, paraben & preservative fre and I love it!
skinChemists Rose Quartz Lip Plump - RRP £24.90. This is a plumping lip balm and when you first swipe some on you do get that tell-tale tingling but nothing uncomfortable. It gives a lovely shine and does help to relief dry lips. I didn't notice much of a plumping effect but my lips don't really need that anyway.
Percy & Reed Radiance Revealing Invisible Dry Shampoo - RRP £12.50 for 150ml. The good news is this really is invisible so don't worry, no matter what your hair colour this won't leave any grey streaks. But unless you washed your hair yesterday this isn't really heavy duty enough to use as a real dry shampoo for me personally. If you just want to tidy things up great, if you're roots are holding any real amount of oil or if you've just finished in the gym, it's not going to the do job. It does add a nice boost of volume though and smells nice.
BeautyPro Nourishing Collagen Sheet Mask with Olive Extract - RRP £4.95 for one mask. This felt so nice on my skin and definitely left my skin looking healthier straight after using. It was the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day.
Anatomicals No Old Bags Allowed Revitalising Eye Gel - RRP £4.79 for 15ml. I'm a big fan of Anatomicals and this is a really simply eye gel that actually worked for me. A quick pat under the eyes in the morning and I definitely look like I got an hour more sleep than I actually did. It absorbs quickly and makeup layers off the top fine.
Drink Me Chai Free From Chai Latte - RRP £2.50 for 250g. No sugar or dairy makes this chai latte really stand out and with it being 99% caffeine free I was happy to give it a try. I'm not dairy free so I mixed mine in with hot milk and it was a spicy way to start a grey, chilly day! I'm definitely going to explore the rest of the range.
Seed and Bean Cornish Seat Salt & Lime chocolate fullsize - RRP £1.20 for 25g. I loved this, give me more!! This is so so so yummy. Organic? Yep. Fairtrade? Yep. This was so good. I'm going to buy more as soon as I've written this (seedandbean.co.uk)

Overall, this was a great box from Pink Parcel and I loved that they partnered with the Eve Appeal to draw attention to a really important issue.. and seriously, go to your smear tests and see your doctor if you have any concerns!

If you also subscribe to Pink Parcel, I'd love to know your thoughts so drop me a comment below! And if you have a different subscription box you think I should try, tell me that as well!

Stay safe, x

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September 2018 Birchbox Review

17/9/2018

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September 2018 Birchbox Review lifeappears.com

September has gotten off to a great start with this Birchbox, it is a good one I'm telling you!!

So first of all I loved the theme of On Top of Your World which they chose because September is all about new beginnings, which fit so perfectly in with my life right now, and the box design was really pretty.

But onto the important bit, what was in the box:

Benefit Box O' Powder in Gold Rush - RRP £25.50. I really love the colour of this (if I remember right, you were given the choice between this and a pinker one); it doesn't look like a blush in the pan but it goes on so nice and just brings out this incredibly natural and pretty flush that is suitable for any look and any occassion. As someone who shys away from pink blushes this is perfect and blends like a dream!
Eyeko Brow Liner - RRP £15. I'm a big fan of Eyeko eyeliners so I was interested to see how this would work, and it's basically a brown eyeliner really, just with a softer pigment. It's not really a product for me because I have naturally full brows but if you need to do a bit more sculpting of yours I can see this working really well, but it also does a decent job of just filling in sparse patches as long as you don't get heavy-handed. It doesn't smudge and stays put all day.
Marcelle City 24H Anti-Pollution Day & Night Moisturizing Emulsion - RRP £23. This feels quite silky for a moisturiser, almost similar to a primer feel, but it smoothes on really nicely and absorbs fast. I love the anti-pollution idea and it gives a good hit of hydration in a cruelty-free formula (yay). I've used this quite a few times and haven't noticed it blocking my pores so that's another thumbs up.. I really like it!
Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner - RRP £18. This is a really gentle toner but it still gets the job done! It doesn't leave your skin feeling tight or stripped but pores do look a little smaller and your face will feel refreshed. I enjoyed using this toner and would definitely consider purchasing a fullsize when I run out of my usual (Vichy).
Beauty Protector Protect & Volume - RRP £21.50. Now I'm mad about heat protection, when you have hair as long as mine you kind of have to be! This has a nice even spray and was quick to absorb with a quick comb-through. It did give a little bit of volume (nothing major) but added some much needed skine without making my hair feel greasy or sticky. And it smells soooo good!

Overall, I was really pleased with this month's box, Birchbox picked some great products and I'll get use out of all of them. The only one I won't reach for all that often is the brow liner but that's just because it's not something my eyebrows really need!

If you also subscribe to Birchbox I'd love to know your thoughts on this month's box, so please drop me a comment below.

Stay safe, x

*I pay for my BIrchbox subscription myself*

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Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara review

Creative Ways to Save Up for Your Deposit

How To Afford The Home Of Your Dreams

September 2018 Pink Parcel review

September 2018 Birchbox Review

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